EditorAshton Hewitt warns WRU not to rule out player strike as cuts loom
With the WRU board expected to vote later this month on a proposal to cut two of Wales’ four professional teams, Hewitt says players are more united than ever — and frustrated that previous strike threats were abandoned.
“I wouldn’t be ruling anything out”
Speaking on BBC’s Scrum V, Hewitt said many players still believe they should have walked out during the 2023 contract dispute, and that the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association (WRPA) is now stronger and more cohesive than ever.
“There are still players who think they should have been striking and they are not happy,” he said. “I wouldn’t be ruling anything out if I was the union.”
His comments come in response to WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin, who recently claimed players were not aligned on their goals — and warned that strike action could damage the union’s finances and reduce the chance of a favourable outcome.
Hewitt disagreed, saying recent conversations suggest players are more unified than ever, and clearer on how far they’re willing to go to protect their futures.
Cuts could spark uproar across Wales
The WRU is currently consulting on four possible futures for the professional game, with its preferred option involving a reduction from four teams to two — a move that would threaten the existence of clubs like the Scarlets and Ospreys, and put dozens of jobs at risk.
Hewitt’s warning adds to growing pressure on the WRU board ahead of its end-of-month vote, with fans, councils, and investors all voicing concern over the direction of Welsh rugby.
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